traceyreads2's reviews
587 reviews

5.0

adventurous challenging emotional reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada for a digital ARC of this book and Happy Publishing Day!!

Lockjaw is a YA horror book that touches on many important themes that are addressed in subtle ways that makes the reader really dive into what is happening in the story but also what has happened in the past and what is being left unsaid about both.

The good ole small town living isn’t necessarily so good for those who live there and don’t conform to certain standards that have been passed down from generation to generation and instilled upon them.

I enjoyed the part of the story of a friend group and found family, some of the characters were trying to work out who they were and who they wanted to be, while struggling to still fit in. It also grapples with the struggle of growing up and being yourself while still trying to survive through middle and high school.

This is one of those stories where you're not always entirely sure what is happening, but every minute is enjoyable. Once all the pieces started to click together I couldn’t put the book down and wanted to read it over again.

This may have been my first read from Matteo L. Cerilli but it certainly won’t be my last.

Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin

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challenging emotional reflective tense slow-paced